Suitcase locked with everything inside

[Suitcasefuckup]

Not really an AIBU but am in dire straits (relatively speaking) and hoping someone can help...

Have come away for a few nights with toddler. DH lovingly shut and locked out suitcase ready to go, before realising that he didn't actually know the code.

We had to run and catch the train so left with a locked suitcase, thinking that we'd be able to figure out the code later.

999 tries on the combination lock later and no joy, so now we're stuck in a hotel room with no clothes and, worse, no books or cuddly toys to help toddler sleep.

It's a Delsey suitcase with a 3-digit combination lock and a button with a space for a key.

Please please can anyone help?

If I go through the zipper will I break the suitcase for good?

You can use a biro to open the zip and then close it again. Or work systematically to get the code.

Biro pen push it between the grooves of the zip and the zip will spilt open but still be able to be re fastened if and when you find the keys

Oh just seen you've forgotten the code. After exhausting all memorable numbers (pin, birthday etc) I'd give up

@Hairyfriend

You might be able to push a pen/pencil in between the zip teeth and open it that way- as seen on a travel program which said that locking a suitcase was useless!

Yes, this happened to me a customs once when I lost my key and they wanted to check my luggage- I was told alway secure the zip ends so they can't move or anyone can tamper with the zipper and you're never know.

Either unpick the zipper or get a hacksaw and cut through the metal holding the zipper pully things to the lock.

And really, don't bother about locking suitcases. It's not like if you lose or have it stolen it's any sort of deterent whatsoever.

I wouldn’t care if I broke the suitcase for good if I needed what was inside.
They’re £40 new from tk maxx

Take it you've tried your 'usual' codes?

You tube how to pick a combination lock. Theres a specific method for it

We just worked through all possible combinations (logical and ticked off on paper)
There are about 1000. We found ours in the first 300.

Did you set the code originally?

Try:
Your date of birth
Husband's date of birth
Child's dob
Bank pin code
House address/post code
Previous address or post code
Start of phone number/old phone number
End of phone number old numbers.

Failing that you're going to have to get in using methods suggested above!

A hair grip or similar in the key hole and jiggle it till you feel movement, with three numbers you are looking to do that three times till aligned.

This is why I avoid suitcases with combination locks.

DH once bought himself a very posh one many years ago. He'd set the combination while still in n the shop and by the time he arrived home he had forgotten it.

We couldn't work it out and for years had an empty locked suitcase in the loft. DH ended up getting himself another one with no combination lock.

Sorry, not helpful. Perhaps Google might bring up the manufacturer's master combination (does such a thing exist?).

Birthdate, anniversary?

Good luck

Sometimes with combination locks you can hear it click differently when a number is correct. I used to amaze people by getting into lockers like this as a teen. Might be worth sticking your ear to it and having a go if all else fails.

I'm also another one who is curious to know how DH lovingly closed the suitcase. 🤣💖

Break the zip then go and buy a luggage strap to keep it closed when travelling home 👍

Use a pen to open the teeth

Biro pen in between the zips will allow you to open it without breaking the suitcase.

It really doesn’t take that long to try all the combinations, try that before damaging the case

Ask hotel reception - we did this once and they sent the maintenance man up with a little saw and he sawed the lock off

Depends on the value of the case. I had this issue when my kids were small and worked through all combinations (000,001 etc). It took several hours to do this, but I did get it.. Before you do this work through the obvious ones, and google the default option in case it is this.

Put a pen inside the zip and unzip it that way.

Breaking the zip isn’t ideal, but if it remains locked what’s the alternative-you can’t use it anyway